Growing Boy

I took Aiden to the doctor today for his 4 year check up. I knew it was going to be rough, it was time for shots again. He started out very excited to go, he thinks the doctor is cool. Of course that all changed today.

On a military post, going to the doctor can be frustrating. You never seem to get the same doctor twice, they always change your "primary physician" on you, so you never actually know what doctor you are supposed to see, and you just end up with whoever is available. Not really that big of a deal though when you are just going for check-ups.

Like I said, I was prepared for the shot part to be rough, but I wasn't expecting Aiden's reaction to the exam. When I told him he had to take his clothes off and let the doctor look at him, he wasn't too thrilled. In fact, this is what he said:

"NO!! I am NOT taking my clothes off! Doctor, you can't touch me! You can't see me without my clothes on! You GO AWAY!!!"

Needless to say, the doctor was frustrated by Aiden's lack of enthusiasm. I, on the other hand, thought it was hilarious. I was proud of him, he knows not to take his clothes off for strangers, and he is very good at expressing his opinions and feelings. He gets that from me. We managed to get through the exam, even though Aiden was squirming and fighting it the whole time. Afterward, the doctor told me that he thought Aiden might be ADD, since he obviously has trouble sitting still and following directions. I felt like telling him "he's not a Private, he's a four year-old, of course he can't sit still."

On the brighter side, Aiden is growing like he should, although since he never eats more than a few bites at a time, I'm not sure how that's possible. He's in the 51st percentile for weight, so he's average there. His height is a bit of a mystery though - he's in the 98th percentile! If you know my husband and I you know that neither one of us is exactly tall...so where Aiden's height comes from I have no idea!

The shots went as expected. Lots of screaming and thrashing. I don't envy those ladies in the immunization clinic one little bit. Aiden's being a bit of a drama queen. It's been almost an hour and he's still going on and on about how the doctor was mean and made him get shots.

"Oh Mommy! My legs HURT!!"

"Oh really, do you need to go to the doctor?"

Silence...."No, I just need a band-aid and some ice cream."

Aiden feels that ice cream is the answer to everything. He gets that from me, too.

We are thinking about enrolling him in soccer soon...I don't think he's ADD, but he could definitely use an outlet for all that natural, boyish energy!

Snips and Snails

Every year, two days before my birthday, I get a phone call from my mother telling me that "X number of years ago I was in labor with you". After almost 30 years, it's become tradition. Well, four years ago today, I myself was in labor with my oldest son, Aiden. It being my first time, I remember being scared when the labor pains hit. I had read all the books, but I still had no real idea of what to expect. I remember everyone telling me not to be afraid. Looking back now, I'm of the belief that none of those people had boys. If there is one thing I've learned in the past four years it's this - if you are pregnant with a boy, be afraid...be very afraid.

Little boys are an entity unto themselves. They are not like anything else. On the one hand, they are sweet, lovable, cuddly and cute, kind of like puppies. On the other, they are capable of the most amazing acts of stupidity. And the things that come out of their mouths....

Oh well. As I tucked my little boy in bed on his last night of being three, he looked at me and said, "I love you, Mommy. Hug me so I'll have sweet dreams."

There is nothing in life, and I mean NOTHING to compare with that.

Happy Birthday, Aiden. Mommy loves you.